DE202017105314U1 - Labeling unit with improved drive - Google Patents

Abstract

A labeling unit comprising: a cutting unit (1); a gripper cylinder; anda gluing unit (3) comprising a glue roller (4); characterized in thatthe cutter (1), gripper cylinder and gluer (3) are coupled by a toothed belt transmission; and the toothed belt transmission is driven by a single motor (5).

Description

The invention relates to a labeling unit comprising a cutting unit, a gripper cylinder and a gluing unit comprising a glue roller.

Such labeling units are usually used to apply a wrap-around label to a container, for example a bottle. In these units, a printed label tape is withdrawn from a supply roll and the printing image according to the correct position supplied to the cutting unit, in which the cutting of the individual labels from the tape. The cutting unit often consists of a rotating vacuum roller and a rotating separator, which has at least one cutting blade. The cut individual labels are then taken over by a gripper cylinder and glued using a gluing unit usually at the beginning and end edge. The object to be labeled is then passed past the gripper cylinder for label application, wherein a single label is completely wound by rotating the container on its circumference. Usually then the label end overlaps the beginning of the label and is glued to it.

Exemplary labeling units are from the DE 20 2005 002 793 U1 , of the DE 10 2007 009 484 A1 or the EP 2 682 346 B1 known.

The functional assemblies, so the cutting unit, the gripper cylinder and the gluing unit are usually driven by separate drives, in particular servomotors. These separate servo motors mean both a high expenditure on equipment and a high control effort. This effort is not effective for all applications.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a labeling, the apparatus and control engineering effort is reduced. This object is achieved by a labeling unit according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, it is thus provided that the cutting unit, the gripper cylinder and the gluing unit are coupled by a toothed belt transmission, which is driven by a single motor. The motor thus effectively forms a central drive or main drive which drives the three main functional groups via the toothed belt transmission. This makes it possible to save at least two separate drives, which reduces the apparatus and control technology effort.

The labeling can thus be designed more cost-effective. At the same time, the belt coupling ensures synchrony in the labeling process. In addition, the toothed belt drive is lubrication-free and quiet. The lubrication-free training, for example, in contrast to gears, is particularly advantageous in applications in which the labeling must take place in a particularly hygienic environment, for example, when labeling containers for medicines.

The cutting unit may comprise a knife carrier with at least one cutting blade and a counter cutting roller. The counter-cutting roller can be designed in particular as a vacuum roller. At the counter cutting roller one or more counter blades can be arranged, which can cooperate at the time of cutting with cutting blades on the knife carrier. The blade carrier itself may be rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis, which runs in particular parallel to the axis of rotation of the counter-cutting roller. Knife carrier and counter-cutting roller can in particular be driven in opposite directions to each other. Instead of the rotatable knife carrier and a stationary knife carrier may be provided with at least one cutting blade. The counter-cutting roller with the counter knives can also be referred to as a knife roller.

The gripper cylinder can be designed in particular as a vacuum cylinder. The vacuum cylinder may have elevations at which the beginning or end of an accepted label can be arranged, thus allowing an initial or final gluing.

The gluing unit may in particular be a hotmelt unit. The gluing unit can thus be designed for applying hot glue to the labels.

The cutting mechanism, the gripper cylinder and the gluing unit can each be coupled to an externally toothed pulley, wherein the toothed belt drive comprises a double toothed belt, the internal toothing of which runs in the pulleys coupled to the cutting unit and the gluing unit, while the outer toothing in the belt coupled to the gripper cylinder running. In this way, the cutting unit, gripper cylinder and gluing unit can be coupled via a single toothed belt. Optionally, at least one deflection roller may be provided here to run the double toothed belt in a desired path.

The term "running" for the timing belt with respect to the pulleys herein means that the respective toothed belt is arranged so that parts of the toothing of the toothed belt engage in the corresponding outer toothing of the pulleys and thus the toothed belt is coupled to the respective pulleys. In operation, this allows a drive coupling so that rotation of the pulleys is transferable to a movement of the toothed belt. If the toothed belt "runs" in the pulleys so that there is still no movement connected, but only the possibility of movement during operation of the labeling.

The axis of rotation of the toothed pulley of the gluing unit can run parallel and spaced from the axis of rotation of the glue roller. As a result, to a certain extent a virtual pivot point can be formed, which enables a switching back of the gluing unit, in particular the glue roller. Especially in the hot glue technology, the removal of the gluing unit from the gripper cylinder is necessary if no labels are conveyed. Switching off results in a movement which has been made possible in the prior art by the single-axle drives. In the case of the present invention, it is possible to switch the gluing unit, in particular the glue roller, away from the gripper cylinder, since the axis of rotation of the toothed pulley of the gluing unit does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the glue roller.

The glue roller may itself be coupled to an externally toothed pulley whose axis of rotation is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the glue roller, the glue station being coupled to a second externally toothed pulley coaxial with the first pulley and the glue roller being drivable via a toothed belt , which runs in the pulley of the glue roller and the second pulley of the gluing unit. Thus, the transmission of the rotational movement of the first pulley Glimwerks can be ensured on the glue roller via a toothed belt. The first pulley of the gluing unit corresponds to the pulley mentioned above, in which the double toothed belt runs with its internal toothing.

In order to disconnect the gluing unit, in particular the glue roller, the gluing unit, in particular the glue roller, can be moved from a gluing position into an inoperative position by a translatory and / or pivoting movement. In the gluing position glue can be transferred from the glue roller to a label arranged on the gripper cylinder, while in the inoperative position the glue roller is so spaced from the gripper cylinder that no glue transfer to a label arranged on the gripper cylinder can take place. The labeling unit can be designed so that the gluing unit is brought into the inoperative position when no label is conveyed. Thus, as mentioned above, it can be ensured that no glue is transferred to the gripping cylinder when no label is being conveyed.

To disconnect the gluing unit, in particular the glue roller, an actuator can be provided, with which the gluing unit, in particular the glue roller, can be moved from the gluing position to the inoperative position.

In particular, the central motor can drive the cutting mechanism, in particular the knife roller of the cutting unit, via a toothed belt.

The motor for driving the toothed belt drive may in particular be a servomotor. A servomotor, which can be torque-, speed- or position-controlled, allows to work synchronously in the labeling process in cooperation with the toothed belt transmission. The servo motor can be coupled in particular with a servo drive to form a corresponding servo drive. However, it is also conceivable to use other drives, in particular those which can also be operated position synchronous, ie positionally correct.

As a servomotor, an electric motor is referred to herein, which allow the control of the angular position of the motor shaft and the rotational speed and acceleration. The servomotor comprises an electric motor and a sensor for position determination. The determined by the sensor rotational position of the motor shaft can be continuously transmitted to a control electronics, the so-called servo drive. The servocontroller may control the movement of the motor according to one or more adjustable setpoints (eg, desired angular position of the shaft or setpoint speed). The electric motor of the servomotor may be a DC motor, an asynchronous motor or a synchronous motor.

The motor can be arranged in operation above the housing of the cutting unit. Another positioning is also conceivable, for example, above the housing of the gluing unit.

The above-mentioned double toothed belt and the corresponding pulleys in which the double toothed belt runs can be arranged below a mounting plate of the labeling unit. Also, the second pulley of the gluing unit, the pulley of the glue roller, and the toothed belt coupling the pulley of the glue roller to the second pulley of the gluing unit may be disposed below the mounting plate. As a result, the essential parts of the toothed belt drive are shielded during operation by the mounting plate.

The motor for driving the toothed belt drive can also be arranged under the mounting plate in an alternative embodiment.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht der wichtigsten funktionellen Baugruppen eines Etikettieraggregats gemäß der Erfindung;
• 2 eine Detailansicht der beispielhaften Ausführungsform nach 1;
• 3 eine weitere Detailansicht der beispielhaften Ausführungsform nach 1; und
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite der beispielhaften Ausführungsform nach 1.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained below with reference to the exemplary figures. Showing:

• 1 a perspective view of the main functional components of a labeling unit according to the invention;
• 2 a detailed view of the exemplary embodiment according to 1 ;
• 3 a further detail of the exemplary embodiment according to 1 ; and
• 4 a plan view of the underside of the exemplary embodiment according to 1 ,

1 shows the most important functional assemblies of an exemplary labeling unit according to the invention. In particular shows 1 a cutting unit 1 , a recording 2 for a gripper cylinder (not shown) and a gluing unit 3 with a glue roller 4 , Above the cutting unit 1 is a central engine 5 which, in this example, is a servomotor coupled to a servo controller (not shown). This can be operated according to the position. The central engine 5 is provided to the cutting unit 1 , the gripper cylinder, in particular the recording 2 of the gripper cylinder, as well as the gluing unit 3 to drive via a toothed belt transmission, which will be described in more detail below.

The gripper cylinder, not shown, may in particular be a vacuum cylinder associated with the recording 2 can be connected.

The cutting unit 1 , the recording 2 and the glue plant 3 are usually arranged on a mounting plate, not shown here. For clarity, not shown are also other elements of the labeling such as label roll receptacles and elements for transporting the label tape, as it does not depend on these elements according to the invention and these are well known to those skilled.

The labeling unit described may in particular be a modular labeling unit; The unit can therefore be coupled to a modular labeling machine, in particular to the labeling carousel a labeling machine. For this purpose, the labeling unit may comprise centering and / or fixing elements for connection to corresponding elements of the labeling machine.

The labeling machine may include in a conventional manner a feed conveyor, an inlet star wheel with upstream Einteilschnecke, a carousel with a plurality of spaced at regular intervals on a common pitch circle turntables, a discharge star wheel and an outlet conveyor. In the circulation area between the inlet star wheel and the outlet star wheel, the labeling unit can be arranged on the outer periphery of the carousel.

The exemplary toothed belt transmission of 1 in this example comprises three toothed belts.

As 2 shows more exactly, drives a first timing belt 6 the counter-cutting roll or knife roll 7 of the cutting unit 1 at. For this the first belt runs 6 in a not shown in detail in the figures outside toothed pulley of the engine 5 and a corresponding externally toothed pulley, with the knife roller 7 is coupled. The pulleys are coaxial with the axis of rotation of the engine 5 or the knife roller 7 arranged.

As in 3 is shown in more detail, is the cutting unit recording 8th also with an externally toothed pulley 9 coupled, in particular coaxial with the axis of rotation of the knife roller 7 is arranged. The recording 2 of the gripper cylinder is with an externally toothed pulley 10 coupled, in particular coaxial with the axis of rotation of the recording 2 is arranged. The glue plant 3 is coupled to several pulleys, especially the first pulley 11 and the second, coaxially arranged pulley 12 ,

A second toothed belt 13 , which is designed as a double toothed belt, is arranged so that its inner toothing in the pulley 9 of the cutting unit 1 as well as in the first pulley 11 of gluing plant 3 runs while its outer teeth in the pulley 10 the recording 2 of the gripper cylinder is running. The timing belt 13 drives in operation so of the knife roller 7 the gripper cylinder and is at the axis of rotation of Glimwerks 3 diverted.

To the glue roller 4 driving is a third timing belt 14 provided, which in the second pulley 12 and one with the glue roller 4 coupled externally toothed pulley 15 running. The pulley 15 is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the glue roller 4 arranged.

Through the first and second pulley 11 . 12 In a sense, a virtual axis of rotation is defined as an intermediate step, which means switching back the gluing unit 3 , in particular the glue roller 4 allows if labels are not to be conveyed. Through the coupling via the third toothed belt 14 is not a separate drive unit to achieve this functionality of the downshift needed. The glue roller can in particular be pivotable about a pivot axis extending coaxially with the virtual axis of rotation. In this context, "virtual" means that, although through the rotating pulleys 11 . 12 an axis of rotation is defined, the gluing unit 3 but does not comprise about this axis of rotation rotatably mounted element. This is in contrast to the pulleys 9 . 10 in this example, whose axes of rotation with those of the knife roller 7 or the gripper cylinder match.

In 3 are also two pulleys 16 shown which the timing belt 13 keep in a desired path.

The in the 3 shown parts of the gear drive can be arranged in particular below a mounting plate, not shown.

4 shows a plan view of the assemblies shown in the previous figures from below. Here is in particular the virtual axis of rotation 17 of gluing plant 3 clearly visible.

The labeling according to the present invention thus makes it possible to realize a modular design with as few drives.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. In particular, the central engine 5 be arranged at other locations of the labeling, for example, below the cutting unit 1 or above the gluing unit 3 , It is also understood that the invention is not limited to the use of three toothed belts. Also, more or fewer timing belts may be used to couple the functional assemblies.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202005002793 U1 [0003]
• DE 102007009484 A1 [0003]
• EP 2682346 B1 [0003]

Claims (7)

Labeling unit comprising: a cutting unit (1); a gripper cylinder; and a gluing unit (3) comprising a glue roller (4); characterized in that the cutting unit (1), the gripper cylinder and the gluing unit (3) are coupled by a toothed belt transmission; and the toothed belt transmission is driven by a single motor (5). Labeling unit after Claim 1 , wherein the cutting unit (1), the gripper cylinder and the gluing unit (3) each with an externally toothed pulley (9, 10, 11) are coupled, and wherein the toothed belt drive comprises a double toothed belt (13) whose internal toothing in the with Cutting mechanism (1) and the gluing unit (3) coupled pulleys, while the outer teeth in the coupled with the gripper cylinder pulley (10) runs. Labeling unit after Claim 2 , wherein the axis of rotation of the toothed pulley (11) of the gluing unit (3) runs parallel and at a distance from the axis of rotation of the glue roller (4). Labeling unit after Claim 3 wherein the glue roller (4) is coupled to an externally toothed pulley (15) whose axis of rotation is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the glue roller (4), the glue station (3) being coupled to a second externally toothed pulley (12) which is coaxial to the first pulley (11) is arranged, and wherein the glue roller (4) via a toothed belt (14) is drivable in the pulley (15) of the glue roller (4) and the second pulley (12) of the gluing unit (3) runs , Labeling unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (5) drives the cutting unit (3), in particular the knife roller (7), via a toothed belt (6). Labeling unit after Claim 5 , wherein the motor (5) on the cutting unit (3) is arranged. Labeling unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (5) is a servomotor.

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